On Thursday morning, eighth grade student-athletes from Lincoln Middle School walked into McCaskey High School knowing this wasn’t a typical school day.They weren’t there for practice or a game. They were there to participate in the district’s Change the Narrative leadership workshop.
Hosted in partnership with McCaskey High School Athletics, the program brings middle school and high school student-athletes together for weekly sessions focused on character development, identity, discipline, and personal growth. McCaskey student-athletes have been participating since the start of the school year. Now, during the second half of the year, Lincoln’s eighth graders are joining them.
The workshop meets every Thursday, with two one-hour sessions led by high school students, and will continue through the end of the school year. The consistency is intentional. The goal is to build relationships over time, not just host a single event.
For Assistant Director of Athletics Luke Thomas, the program began as a pilot designed to expand what athletics means for students.
“The goal ultimately started as a pilot this year with our student-athletes, really trying to develop their character and who they are as student-athletes,” Thomas shared. “We want them to overcome obstacles they see in their everyday lives and really change that narrative. This is about becoming a better person.”
The focus isn’t limited to performance. It centers on accountability, preparation, and how students show up in every environment, including classrooms, hallways, and their community.
Building Connection Before the Transition
For Lincoln’s eighth graders, the workshop also serves as an early introduction to high school expectations and culture.
“I hope they get that big sibling figure,” Thomas said. “When they come up to the high school, I want them to already know who our student-athletes are. I also want them to understand that this is more than just athletics. It’s a family. All roads lead to McCaskey, and we want them to be part of something successful.”
By participating now, students begin forming relationships before they officially transition to McCaskey. They’re seeing leadership modeled by peers who were in their shoes just a few years ago. That visibility helps reduce uncertainty and builds confidence heading into ninth grade.
Leadership as Daily Practice
The Change the Narrative curriculum was developed by Tavon Parker, who has worked with McCaskey student-athletes throughout the school year on foundational leadership principles. The curriculum focuses on identity, social-emotional development, discipline, and understanding how past experiences shape present decisions.
“Leadership isn’t something you turn on and off,” Parker explained. “We’re developing leaders on and off the field. We talk about discipline. We talk about routines. We talk about consistency. All of those things culminate into who you are.”
The curriculum is organized into five to six modules that explore preparation, communication, responsibility, and long-term planning. Each session reinforces the idea that leadership is reflected in daily habits.
Now, high school students are practicing those habits by leading discussions and mentoring middle school participants.
“This is the application part,” Parker said. “As adults, we can give them all the information, but if they don’t apply it, what’s the point? Hopefully we do our part here so when these kids graduate, they can do theirs.”
Learning Through Accountability
During one session, the group discussed preparation. A few students realized their iPads weren’t charged.
“We’re talking about being prepared,” Parker said. “And in real time, they’re saying, ‘I wasn’t prepared.’ That’s ownership. That’s learning.”
The conversation moved quickly from devices to responsibility. Students connected the idea of preparation in small moments to preparation in larger goals, including academics, athletics, and life after graduation.
Beyond grades and attendance data, the broader aim of the workshop is for students to understand their strengths, recognize areas for growth, and develop a plan for their future. Whether that includes college, career training, military service, or entering the workforce, the expectation is the same: take ownership of your path.
Strengthening the Path to McCaskey
Change the Narrative strengthens the connection between middle school and high school while reinforcing that leadership extends beyond athletics. It creates space for mentorship, reinforces consistent expectations, and supports students as they prepare for the next phase of their education.
When Lincoln students arrive at McCaskey next year, they won’t be stepping into an unfamiliar environment. They’ll recognize faces, understand expectations, and know that leadership is part of the culture.
Changing the narrative begins with daily choices. And those choices are already taking shape.